In most electric markets in the US, you can’t gain access as a consumer to electricity spot pricing. Consumers and regulators value stability and predictability

In most electric markets in the US, you can’t gain access as a consumer to electricity spot pricing. Consumers and regulators value stability and predictability in power pricing. Additionally, the system is a lot more stable if a central utility can control these water heaters as a bank of shapeable demand, rather than having each individual device making independent decisions. It’s more efficient for them to give you a periodic rebate for participating in the program and have them manage the details.